Worksite Wellness and Sustainability: How Are they linked?

Because most adults spend a majority of their waking hours at work, a sustainable working environment is critical. The work site, organizational culture and working environment are powerful influences on behavior. Wellness programs have been uses as instruments to address weight reduction, reduced stress levels, improved physical fitness, health, and well being. They may include fitness, recreation, social activities and programs to enhance intellectual and spiritual development.

As a sustainability consultant, I can't help but notice the link between wellness programs and business sustainability programs. However, wellness programs have traditionally been an add on program offered to employees whereas, business sustainability, at its highest level, is executed and embedded in the core business operations.

Notice the benefits cited for wellness programs and see if these don't ring true for sustainability concepts executed in the workplace.

Enhanced recruitment and retention of healthy employees
Reduced health care costs
Decreased rates of illness and injuries
Reduced employee absenteeism
Improved employee relations and morale
Increased productivity

Sustainable business strategies embedded in the core operations of a business captures the benefits a wellness program aims to make and more.

Improve Business Reputation
Create Brand Differentiation
Capture Industry Synergies with other Sustainable Businesses
Reduce Business Cost
Improve Employee Satisfaction and Retention
Lead Your Industry in Best Practices
Improved Stakeholder Engagement
Respond to Consumer Eco-Preferences
Proactive Measures regarding Environmental Legislation

Providing employees with wellness programs not only provides them a way to improve their health, but it also demonstrates corporate social responsibility. Businesses taking it to the next step are integrating sustainability plans into the core business.